Musical theater outlook: 2013

This year&rsquo;s on- and off-Broadway lineup promises mostly sentimentality &mdash; with a bit of kink thrown in for good measure

This classic started as a TV movie and has been staged many times, but never on Broadway — before now. Featuring Rodgers and Hammerstein songs like "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful?" and "My Own Little Corner," this production tweaked the book for a fresh audience. Laura Osnes stars.

'Jekyll & Hyde'

(Opens in April, www.jekyllandhydemusical.com)

Composer Frank Wildhorn has misfired lately ("Bonnie & Clyde," "Wonderland") so it only makes sense to resurrect his good name through his best-known work from '97. It's coming back to town for a limited time following a national tour and sure to pique the attention of young theater-goers anxious to see this blast from fandom past.

'The Last Five Years'

(Opens April 2, www.2st.com)

Jason Robert Brown's intimate musical about the dissolution of a young couple made a mark off-Broadway in 2002 for its lyric-focused approach — not to mention its time-bending storyline. It returns for a limited time, directed by Brown himself. Although this show is certainly not one of the mega mainstream musicals passing through, it will be one to talk about.

‘Kinky Boots’

(Opens April 4, www.kinkybootsthemusical.com)

Based on a true-life tale, “Kinky Boots” was made into a film in 2005 and has graduated to a musical by the same name with lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein. The story follows the near-collapse of a family shoe factory that is inexplicably saved with the help of a drag queen named Lola. Despite its comedic and “fabulous” outlook, the play centers on deeper themes of acceptance.

'Matilda The Musical'

(Opens April 11, www.us.matildathemusical.com)

"Matilda" has been quite successfully running in London's West End since 2010. Based on the book by Roald Dahl, this staging adds uplifting music to under-score the magic and mischievousness inherent to the beloved children's tale.